Brede Hangeland is closer to ending deal delay

Martin Jol has dropped his biggest hint yet that Fulham captain Brede Hangeland is finally ready to sign a new contract at Craven Cottage.

Hangeland’s current deal expires at the end of the season and the 31-year-old is yet to agree terms on an extension despite being locked in talks since August.

The Norway defender indicated he wanted to stay at Fulham in an interview with Standard Sport in December but has delayed committing his future to the club.

Jol is confident of reaching a compromise and when asked whether Hangeland is any nearer to signing a new contract, he said: “I think we are close. We will have a few players [signing new deals] in the next couple of weeks. Over the last couple of months Brede has been a tower.”

Jol also revealed that Giorgos Karagounis wants to stay at Fulham when his one-year deal expires in the summer.

The Greece midfielder, 35, signed on a free transfer, was superb in the 1-0 win against Stoke.

Jol said: “I do not have to convince 90 per cent of my players [to stay] because they want to play here, they love to play here and Giorgos loves to play here.”